medical services

Medical Acupuncture & Trigger Point Acupuncture (Dry Needling)
Medical Appointments
Medical appointments cover a wide variety of conditions, from orthopedics to migraines, allergies to fertility. Initial appointments take about an hour and a half and cover a full medical history as well as the primary reason for the visit. Follow up appointments are typically around an hour and most patients will require several visits in a row. Generally, acute issues take 3 to 5 visits, while chronic issues may require longer term management, but ultimately each case is unique. Trigger Point Acupuncture/Dry Needling 
Generally included as a part of most orthopedic treatments during medical visits, this specific technique can also be booked as stand alone treatment.

Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique used to help release muscle tension. Traditionally done with bamboo "cups," Balance employs the use of glass bulbs. A small flame is used to create a vacuum and the cup is applied to whichever part of the body is being treated - usually the back, but cups may be applied to shoulders, arms or legs as well. 

Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a type of Chinese medical massage that incorporates the stimulation of acupuncture points and channels. It can be used alone or in combination with other modalities. It often focuses on releasing trigger points that might be causing pain or discomfort in the immediate area of inflammation or farther down the muscular tract. Joints may be mobilized to assess, support and increase range of motion. Techniques involve grasping, kneading and pressing to achieve the desired effect of symptomatic relief.

Holistic Skincare

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial Acupuncture has come onto the horizon in the last several years as an excellent alternative to cosmetic surgery.  
Mei Zen Series:  
A total of 11 treatments make up one series, consisting of one initial visit and 10 follow up appointments. A full history is still taken so that the patient's constitution is treated in addition to the facial acupuncture. This helps to harmonize the entire body and improves the outcome more so than facial treatment alone. Many patients also find improvements in acne, rosacea, and other dermatological conditions. ​
Results typically last anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on lifestyle factors including diet and skin care routine.  It is recommended that patients follow up with maintenance treatments as often as every 4-6 weeks to see continued improvement.
Individual Facials: 
These types of appointments are perfect for regular maintenance.  It's recommended that patients come every 4-6 weeks, or alternate acupuncture treatments with their regular facial appointments.  For those local to the Rhode Island area, we recommend Breathing Space Spa on Waterman Street in Providence.

Facial Cupping & Gua Sha
Cupping and gua sha (a light scraping technique) are both gentle, effective, non-invasive ways of stimulating cellular turnover and the production of collagen and elastin.  Cupping + Gua Sha facials are available and they may also be added to a facial acupuncture appointment.

At Home Maintenance
The East West Company offers a variety of all natural products and tools for home maintenance.  Both Gua Sha tools and a variety of Facial Rollers are also available for purchase through the ​
​East West Apothecary

specialty services

Herbal Consultations
Herbal therapy developed separately from acupuncture and has a long and rich history in Chinese Medicine. There are over 400 herbs that are traditionally used, but formulae tend to include somewhere between 4 and 15 herbs. They may be prescribed raw and cooked into a tea, called a "decotion," or they may be given in powdered form as granules. The duration of treatment varies based on the condition and the formula may be adjusted as the patient improves. The ultimate goal is to bring the patient back to a healthy balance, at which point the formula can be discontinued.

​Concierge Acupuncture
Sometimes, as a matter of convenience or medical need, acupuncture can be done in a patient's home. In these instances, the practitioner brings all the necessities for an in-home visit including a massage table, linens, and treatment supplies. The patient must provide a clean, workable space free of clutter*, as well as access to a kitchen sink for hand washing/sanitizing. An in-office visit is required for the initial appointment. This allows the patient to meet the practitioner ahead of time to ensure that concierge visits will be a good fit for her/him. If so, subsequent appointments will be scheduled at mutually convenient times. Both medical and Mei Zen Cosmetic acupuncture styles are available. ​
Dr. Collins is also available for travel to provide private treatments in any U.S. territory for up to 2 weeks. The client(s) must be established patient(s) with no less than a 6 month prior treatment history per patient. Separate rates apply.
*If the patient's home is unable to accommodate a massage table due to size or layout, a couch or day bed of adequate size to is acceptable
**If the patient is unable to leave her/his home due to being bed ridden, the initial visit will be in-house. This is the only exception